During 2017 I will be building on the work commenced through my PhD research (my PhD was awarded in December 2016 from the Australian National University). This research explored the factors that contribute to community resilience and recovery after natural disaster, based on the experience of four communities in Australia. Community members from the Cassowary Coast (Far North Qld), Coonabarabran (NSW), Dunalley and surrounds (Tasmania), and the Lockyer Valley (Qld) participated in my study and gave voice to their community experience and leadership of the community recovery process. A copy of my thesis can be found here.
I have now established a consultancy that will bring together my previous experience working as a consultant, years of experience working in government, and this important research. Leva Consulting will work with communities and organizations – conducting research, undertaking consultancies, providing advice and support – all to strengthen the community voice and contribute to a more resilient Australia. This is a very exciting endeavor as Leva Consulting works in new ways to support community recovery after natural disaster.